Michael Davey Film Annotation 8: Is God Green? Words: 720, Date: 11/15/2010 Title: Is God Green? (2007), Directors: Mark Dowd, Bruno Sorrentino
2. The central argument of the film is given as a gentle wake up call to Christians. The message is: God created the planet. We should be stewards of it. Essentially, the bigger concern is that humans have destroyed much of the planet in recent years and created a rift between nature and humanity. Humans, self obsessed have become a highly competitive exterminator species.
3. Sustainability problems highlighted in this film start with overpopulation. Overpopulation has risen in part due to the unacceptability of contraceptives to various religions, including Catholicism. Also, after the black plague, the human race is said to have become “anthropocentric” or self obsessed by feeling that the world is an affliction, feeling that were met with urges to conquer and subdue the earth, in accordance with Genesis: “Subdue the earth and have dominion.” Furthermore, following the crucifixion of Jesus, there was a focus on God as man, rather than God as creator of the whole universe, and the earth. According to this film, the 15th century was a time to withdraw, alienate and exploit the earth. In addition to overpopulation and conspicuous consumption as products of religion, the film alludes to the idea that Christianity is a linear religion. One is born, one lives and one dies to go to heaven or hell. Therefore, there is little stewardship or care felt for the earth as the ultimate destination for these people is a glorious kingdom of eternity. This stands in contrast to religions such as Buddhism which see life in terms of cycles, which matches up better with how nature really works.
4. I was most compelled by the evangelical minister who started a green church. The thing that struck me the most was his painstaking preparation for the first sermon. He had to be so careful choosing his words so as not to offend anyone, but at the same time call them to action in the name of God, in order to save the planet. He highlighted the parts of scripture that call us to take care of what God created, and the Christians responded with great enthusiasm and a small movement has sparked a green buzz in that community.
5. I was not compelled or convinced by the sweeping vistas and epic music. While I enjoy those things, they did not contribute much to the substance of the film.
6. The film best addresses the Christian who either considers their religion destructive to the environment, reassuring them that there is another way, or to the Christian who believes that this world stands here for the taking and that we should do as much as possible with the resources here. The film does a good job of showing how forward thinking people can serve the earth and God at the same time and that the earth and their children will benefit in the long term from these practices.
7. I would have added some statistics about energy consumption and consumer activity in highly religious areas in order to strengthen the educational value of the film. This film was less informative than most sustainability focused films in that it seems more like a tap on the shoulder to members of religious communities to look around and see what they can do better, rather than a raucous call to action.
8. Action points suggested by the film are to get involved with your church and make a difference in the green community through faith in God. Another action point may be to educate any religious friends you have on the importance of climate change to the future of mankind and how that issue affects them and their faith.
9. (http://www.agreenchurch.com/) A Green Church sells compostable plastic communion cups, which would normally be thrown into the garbage and held in landfills for years. By putting this communion cup in the market, Christians will be able to cut down on non –biodegradable waste by a variable amounts depending on the size of the Church.
This link shows the efforts of one pastor to simplify his congregation’s lifestyle in a way that can help the earth. He provides a simple “how to” breakdown according to Christian values. (http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/simple-church-sustainable-church/A4NF2B8ZITKNIR1HV7U7IQFC2C9O)
Film Annotation 8: Is God Green?
Words: 720, Date: 11/15/2010
Title: Is God Green? (2007), Directors: Mark Dowd, Bruno Sorrentino
2. The central argument of the film is given as a gentle wake up call to Christians. The message is: God created the planet. We should be stewards of it. Essentially, the bigger concern is that humans have destroyed much of the planet in recent years and created a rift between nature and humanity. Humans, self obsessed have become a highly competitive exterminator species.
3. Sustainability problems highlighted in this film start with overpopulation. Overpopulation has risen in part due to the unacceptability of contraceptives to various religions, including Catholicism. Also, after the black plague, the human race is said to have become “anthropocentric” or self obsessed by feeling that the world is an affliction, feeling that were met with urges to conquer and subdue the earth, in accordance with Genesis: “Subdue the earth and have dominion.” Furthermore, following the crucifixion of Jesus, there was a focus on God as man, rather than God as creator of the whole universe, and the earth. According to this film, the 15th century was a time to withdraw, alienate and exploit the earth. In addition to overpopulation and conspicuous consumption as products of religion, the film alludes to the idea that Christianity is a linear religion. One is born, one lives and one dies to go to heaven or hell. Therefore, there is little stewardship or care felt for the earth as the ultimate destination for these people is a glorious kingdom of eternity. This stands in contrast to religions such as Buddhism which see life in terms of cycles, which matches up better with how nature really works.
4. I was most compelled by the evangelical minister who started a green church. The thing that struck me the most was his painstaking preparation for the first sermon. He had to be so careful choosing his words so as not to offend anyone, but at the same time call them to action in the name of God, in order to save the planet. He highlighted the parts of scripture that call us to take care of what God created, and the Christians responded with great enthusiasm and a small movement has sparked a green buzz in that community.
5. I was not compelled or convinced by the sweeping vistas and epic music. While I enjoy those things, they did not contribute much to the substance of the film.
6. The film best addresses the Christian who either considers their religion destructive to the environment, reassuring them that there is another way, or to the Christian who believes that this world stands here for the taking and that we should do as much as possible with the resources here. The film does a good job of showing how forward thinking people can serve the earth and God at the same time and that the earth and their children will benefit in the long term from these practices.
7. I would have added some statistics about energy consumption and consumer activity in highly religious areas in order to strengthen the educational value of the film. This film was less informative than most sustainability focused films in that it seems more like a tap on the shoulder to members of religious communities to look around and see what they can do better, rather than a raucous call to action.
8. Action points suggested by the film are to get involved with your church and make a difference in the green community through faith in God. Another action point may be to educate any religious friends you have on the importance of climate change to the future of mankind and how that issue affects them and their faith.
9. (http://www.agreenchurch.com/) A Green Church sells compostable plastic communion cups, which would normally be thrown into the garbage and held in landfills for years. By putting this communion cup in the market, Christians will be able to cut down on non –biodegradable waste by a variable amounts depending on the size of the Church.
This link shows the efforts of one pastor to simplify his congregation’s lifestyle in a way that can help the earth. He provides a simple “how to” breakdown according to Christian values. (http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/simple-church-sustainable-church/A4NF2B8ZITKNIR1HV7U7IQFC2C9O)